Little Sisters Still Making A Difference
Nine months have passed since Mother Maria Christine Lynch, regional superior for the Little Sisters of the Poor, publicly announced that the Little Sisters would be seeking a new sponsor for St. John’s Home for the Aged and leaving the Evansville community. The news, delivered during an emotional March 28 press conference at the eastside Evansville home, ushered in a wave of shock and sadness in the local Catholic community.
A similar mood was evident within the walls of the St. John’s Home for the Aged (often referred to simply as “Little Sisters”) as residents, staff members and the Sisters themselves worked to come to grips with the news. Yet as the weeks and months wore on, that initial sense of sadness was replaced by other emotions – namely peace, acceptance and gratitude for a wonderful, loving community that has been part of the Evansville community for 130 years.
“We have such great gratitude for the community that has supported us so well over the years,” said Little Sister of the Poor Carolyn Martin, administrator for the home. “So many of the residents have told us that they have not been as happy in their whole lives as they are now. I’ve even heard that several times in recent days, so God’s grace continues to work in their hearts.”
Marcella Meredith is one of those residents who says she feels nothing but gratitude and warmth despite the St. John’s home’s uncertain future. She started out as a volunteer at the home and fell in love with the environment.
“I saw that everyone was well cared for and loved, so I wanted to make the Little Sisters my home too,” Meredith said. “I’m full of joy and gratitude for living here, sharing (the Sisters’) peace, love and kindness.”
Sr. Carolyn said there is a misconception among some within the diocese that the home has closed, and that unfortunately this is negatively impacting the donations that the Little Sisters have long relied upon to meet the home’s operating costs.
“The people of Evansville have given us their friendship and support all through the years, and now since the announcement, some of them think that the home has closed,” she said. “But the home is still full of life; we’re still admitting new residents and we have a waiting list. People want to be here with us, and in order to put bread on the table every day, we do need the support of the local community.”
Currently 61 residents live at the home, which is maintained by nine Little Sisters, a staff of 80, and a host of volunteers, with spiritual care being given by chaplain Fr. Ted Tempel. The newest Little Sister at the home is Sr. Gonzague Castro, who returned to Evansville last week after a 23-year absence. She said she is happy to be back in the Tri-State, even as the Little Sisters are preparing to leave the area.
“I think the generosity of the people of Evansville has been really overwhelming, and what it makes me see is that God is ultimately the one in charge of the work of the Little Sisters,” said Sr. Gonzague. “We’ve seen that for 130 years. We will wait until God will show us who will take over the home, and we continue to trust in his providence.”
When asked how close the Little Sisters are to turning the St. John’s Home for the Aged over to another organization, Sr. Carolyn said there is “absolutely no timeline” for leaving Evansville.
“We have been and are trying to be very thorough in our search for an organization that will be mission-minded, such as we are,” she said. “That’s our great hope, and that takes time.”Sr. Carolyn said a number of organizations have expressed interest in taking over the facility, which has led to dialogue, but that no decisions have been made.
“We will transition from Evansville when the best possible solution has been found,” she said. “This is the Year of Faith, and it’s difficult for the residents, staff and ourselves, but we have a lot of faith in God and we know that he is being gentle with us and giving us an opportunity to grow in faith and to accept his will and his timing on things.”
In the meantime residents like Theresa Koetter will continue to put their faith in God and enjoy their remaining time with the Sisters.
“Being at the Little Sisters means security with a loving environment,” she said. “It helps my faith to develop and grow stronger every day, and I’m grateful that I made the choice to live here the remainder of my life.”
